Integrated Scientific and Economic Uncertainties in Environmental Hazard Assessments: Social and Political Consequences

Abstract

SummaryThis chapter examines the consequences of scientific and economic uncertainties on assessments of remediation of environmental hazards. Several examples from the hydrogeological arena and the oil catastrophe arena provide illustrations of how both the scientific and economic uncertainties are intertwined in contributing to such assessments.In addition, the political and social consequences of undertaking particular actions, or of not undertaking them, are examined so that one can incorporate the political and legislative decision-making process for any such remediation in a more quantitative manner than is usually done. The determination of loss from clean up costs, and of gains because of future use of a previously environmentally damaged region, are both considered, also from quantitative viewpoints with illustrations. In this way one can obtain an integrated picture of the total effect of environmental hazards and their potential resolutions. One can also determine quantitatively which of the many uncertain scientific, economic and political options need further determination prior to committing to such environmental clean up. The general procedures spelled out can be applied to almost any environmental problem and, as such, provide a consistent framework for a total integrated evaluation.